NMF is a project of a group of shockingly motivated local volunteers from organizations around Norman from virtually every walk of life. The one thing they all have in common is the love of music and the Norman community. You too can join the fun! --- Click Here & Volunteer.
Here is a little more information on the organizations and individuals that make the Norman Music Festival possible year after year through their dedication.
Norman Arts Council
Established in 1976, the Norman Arts Council (NAC) was founded to enrich the Norman community by stimulating artistic, cultural, and economic growth through the support and promotion of the arts. At its origin, the NAC became the voice and face of arts advocacy in Norman, Oklahoma. Since its initiation, the NAC has upheld its mission through a variety of program and initiatives. The NAC sponsors festivals, programs, workshops, and arts education activities annually that grow as the community expands through its grants program. Among the NAC’s historic contributions is the co-founding and continued support of the popular Jazz in June, which has attracted renowned acts across that nation such as Ellis Marsalis and T.S. Monk III. The NAC also provides support for such well-attended festivals such as the Mayfair, the Medieval Fair, and the Norman Public Library’s Cultural Festivals. All of these dynamic annual events that have helped Norman earn the reputation as a City of Festivals. The past few years have been flourishing for this arts council. In 2008, the NAC created the notorious Norman Music Festival; an event that features over 150 bands from across the country each year, and brings millions of dollars to the local economy of Norman.
Performing Arts Studio
The Performing Arts Studio is located in the historic Norman Depot. This thriving nonprofit organization produces Summer Breeze and Winter Wind Concerts, Jazz Concerts, Gallery Exhibitions in the Depot, Second Sunday Poetry Readings and the Second Stage Players. It also serves as the venue for several art and writing classes for adults. The Performing Arts Studio manages the rental of the Norman Depot for weddings, meetings, parties and other events. Built in 1909, the Norman Depot was designed in an interpretation of the Mission Revival style, articulated by a cross-gabled, clay tile roof and curvilinear parapets incorporating the Santa Fe logo. Located in the heart of Norman's historic downtown along the Legacy Trail and adjacent to the James Garner Corridor, the Norman Depot and is available to the community for rental at very reasonable rates. The ongoing and well kept mission of the Performing Arts Studio is “to create and present excellent and innovative fine arts programs for the enrichment and education of our community.”
Cinematic Artists of Norman
The mission of Cinematic Artists of Norman (CAN) is to strengthen the Norman filmmaking community by offering valuable resources and outlets for film makers. The priority of this non-profit is to produce quality work that meets the standards of the Norman Arts Council and Cinematic Artists of Norman. They guarantee that the local filmmaking community will continue to grow and thrive by building and maintaining good relationships with other agencies and groups who support local filmmaking and art. Overall, the Cinematic Artists of Norman hope to become enhanced filmmakers by bridging the gap between concept and creation.
Dustbowl Arts Market
Dustbowl is an art and handmade market that is focused on local commerce, building community and celebrating originality. Dustbowl's spring market partners with Norman Music Festival in Downtown Norman. Found on the corner of Gray & Crawford, Dustbowl is located in what will be the heart of this year's festival, surrounded by the excitement of the Main Stage, local businesses and delectable food vendors. The fall market takes place on Buchanan Street on Asp and Boyd, Norman's renowned Campus Corner. This market allows the vendors of Dustbowl to take center stage as Blackwatch Studios produces an excellent line-up of local bands. Dustbowl's goal is to provide a youthful, energetic, family friendly atmosphere that showcases local and regional artists.
Norman Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau is a non-profit agency that works in collaboration with other local organizations in order to promote tourism and provide economic growth and expansion in the Norman community. They provide both locals and tourists with a variety of events in Norman and ideas as to how anyone in Norman should spend their time here.
Dreamer Concepts
Dreamer Concepts is an art space for emerging artists in Norman, Oklahoma. This organization has the simple yet imperative mission of encouraging, promoting, and providing opportunities for growth for new artists in our community. The goals of Dreamer Concepts are 1) to provide a unique space for artists of all mediums to display their work, 2) to help develop the professional and business skills needed to succeed, 3) to provide the framework for networking opportunities in the artistic community, and lastly, to provide exposure to a wide variety of specialized speakers and cultural events. This thriving art space is only 40 dollars to rent for an hour with the he gallery and the back patio available for any work. Dreamer concepts is supported by several sponsors in Oklahoma, and is conveniently located in downtown Norman on 324 East Main Street.
Sooner Theatre
This theatre full of history and excellence opened her doors for the first time in 1929 as the first movie theatre in the region built to show "talking pictures." Local architect Harold Gimeno spared no expense while building the Spanish Gothic Style building, spending over $200,000. Mosaic tile and Italian marble were imported for the project, and a unique ladies' lounge was installed on the mezzanine level. During the 1970’s, movie theatres became multiplexes and the single screened Sooner Theatre just could not keep up with the demand. In 1975, the Sooner Theatre closed with Attack of the Amazons. Thankfully, a group of dedicated citizens refused to lose the theater, and appealed to the City of Norman under the aegis of The Sooner Theatre, Inc. The City agreed to purchase the theatre and lease her to them for a dollar per year. The theatre is now listed on both the State and National Registry of Historic Places, and hosts a variety of shows, which range from ballet to opera to concerts, and plays to musicals.
Mainsite
Mainsite Contemporary Art is an excellent place to view and purchase magnificent art. Established in 1999, is it described as “Fine Art for the established and beginning collector.” With both friendly and knowledgeable staff, and art from the best local and regional artists, you will not be let down with this gallery. It is undoubtedly indicative of the growing art scene in Norman, Oklahoma.
